Jim wins another!

Courier earned $60,000 in prize money for winning the title and 800 ranking points that moved him passed Pete Sampras into the No. 1 Outback Champions Series ranking. Courier tops the rankings with 2000 points, followed by Sampras with 1600 points and John McEnroe with 1300 points. Arias, who earned $40,000 and 600 points for his week in Grand Cayman, moved to the No. 4 ranking with 1050 points. Courier, the two-time French and Australian Open champion, won the inaugural clay court title in Grand Cayman last year, defeating Wayne Ferreira of South Africa 7-6 (3), 7-6 (1) in the final.

After both Courier and Arias exchanged service breaks in the first two games, Courier broke Arias again in the 10th game to close out the first set, capitalizing on two Arias unforced forehand errors. In the second set, Courier broke for a 3-2 lead and cruised from there as he asserted more and more control of the match.

“I started the match tight and Jimmy was playing aggressively,” said Courier. “It was a battle. Once I turned it on, got some confidence and started playing aggressively, things went in my favor.”

Arias was playing in his first Outback Champions Series final in his 14th tournament appearance since the circuit began in 2005. A frequent visitor to Grand Cayman and The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton for much of the last 10 years, Arias was the fan favorite all week, earning de facto home-town favorite status. His two best showings ever on the Outback Champions Series both came in Grand Cayman – a third-place finish in 2008, highlighted by his first-ever win over McEnroe, and his runner-up showing this year.

“I think that the clay helps,” said Arias on why he has played his best tennis in Grand Cayman. “I like playing on it and I wish there were more clay matches throughout the tour. This tournament is at the end of the spring season when I am in the best shape so I play well at this time of the year. I love it here. The crowd had a great response. It was a great tournament and it is a relaxing experience.”

In Sunday’s third-place match, Mark Philippoussis beat fellow Australian Pat Cash 6-1, 1-6, (10-8 Champions Tie-Breaker).

Sampras won the opening event on the 2009 Outback Champions Series, defeating McEnroe in the final of the Champions Cup Boston in February. McEnroe won the second event of the year in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, defeating Courier in the final. Sampras won his second title of the year at the Del Mar Development Champions Cup in Los Cabos, Mexico, defeating Patrick Rafter in the final. Following Grand Cayman, Outback Champions Series events will be played in Newport, R.I. (August 20-23), Charlotte (Sept. 24-27), Surprise, Ariz. (Oct. 8-11) and Dubai, U.A.E. (Nov. 18-21).

Founded in 2005, the Outback Champions Series features some of the biggest names in tennis over the last 25 years, including Andre Agassi, Sampras, McEnroe, Courier and others. To be eligible to compete on the Outback Champions Series, players must have reached at least a major singles final, been ranked in the top five in the world or played singles on a championship Davis Cup team. The Outback Champions Series features eight events on its 2009 schedule with each event featuring $150,000 in prize money as well as Champions Series ranking points that will determine the year-end No. 1.

InsideOut Sports + Entertainment is a New York City-based independent producer of proprietary events and promotions founded in 2004 by former world No. 1 and Hall of Fame tennis player Jim Courier and former SFX and Clear Channel executive Jon Venison. In 2005, InsideOut launched its signature property, the Outback Champions Series, a collection of tennis events featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30. In addition, InsideOut produces many other successful events including “Legendary Night” exhibitions, charity events and tennis fantasy camps such as the annual “Ultimate Fantasy Camp”. Through 2008, InsideOut Sports + Entertainment events have raised over $4 million for charity. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com.

About The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, The DeckHouses and Secret Harbour – Stretching sea to sea from the acclaimed Seven Mile Beach to the North Sound, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Resort has set a lavish new standard of living on the Caribbean’s most prosperous, cosmopolitan and safe island – Grand Cayman. Comprising The Residences, The DeckHouses and Secret Harbour, all anchored by the hotel itself, living at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Resort is distinguished by an unparalleled lifestyle experience enhanced with the unique Endless Service program, which includes a fleet of luxury automobiles and intrepid 36-foot motor yachts available for use when in residence. Owners also have access to the legendary service and amenities of the $600 million Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Resort.  For more information, please visit www.residences-cayman.com, www.thedeckhouses.com or www.findsecretharbour.com.

Jimmy Arias

Arias will be playing in his first Outback Champions Series final in his 14th tournament appearance since the circuit began in 2005. Grand Cayman has been the site of his best success on the Series as five of his nine career match victories on the circuit have been at The Residences at the Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman. Last year, Arias posted his previous best showing on the circuit, finishing in third place, highlighted by his first career tournament-match victory over John McEnroe. Arias has strong ties with Grand Cayman and the Ritz-Carlton, playing in various exhibition matches, pro-ams and clinics at the resort and on the island since 2000.

Against Cash, Arias started slowly and played nervously as Cash’s aggressive play earned him the first set after a service break in the sixth game. Early in the second set, Cash began having trouble with a pulled quad muscle, which wore on him as the match lengthened. After trailing 1-4, Arias pulled even to 4-4 and broke Cash in the 12th game of the second set to close out the set. In the Champions Tie-breaker, played in lieu of a third set, Arias jumped to a 6-0 lead, then nervously held on to win the first-to-ten-points tie-breaker 10-8.

Arias said he had to deal with many different emotions and scenarios during the marathon match, feeling that he was first out of the match, before later trying not to get too overconfident with Cash hobbling on one leg for much of the last set and the decisive Champions Tie-Breaker.

“I could see that he was not moving 100 percent and I was thinking just get it (the ball) in,” said Arias, who achieved a career-high ATP ranking of No. 5 in 1984. “Once, I thought I lost and when down 6-4, 4-1 and I wrote myself off. I started playing a little bit better and once you get on a roll sometimes you just keep going.”

“I was severely hampered by my leg,” said Cash, the 1987 Wimbledon champion. “I couldn’t really move it but I was hitting the ball well so I managed to get a jump on him. Unfortunately, at the end, he was able to hit enough balls around the court to move me around and out of position. I couldn’t run. I was able to do enough in the wind to cause some errors.”

Jimmy Arias reaches final on Grand Cayman

Courier, who won the inaugural event in Grand Cayman last year over Wayne Ferreira in the final, will be playing in his 12th career Outback Champions Series final and will be seeking his eighth career title. Against Philippoussis, Courier used his trademark inside-out forehand to patiently dictate play from the baseline and prevent Philippoussis from rushing the net, where he is most comfortable. After exchanging early service breaks, Courier broke Philippoussis again in the fifth and seventh games before serving out the first set 6-2. In the second set, both players held serve before Courier broke through to close out the match in the 12th game of the set, benefitting from Philippoussis double-fault on match point.

“I came into this match with a little bit of trepidation because I know what Mark is capable of,” said Courier of his semifinal win. “I know how powerful he is and when he is on, there is virtually nothing you can do to stop him. I was hoping to just go out there and get myself into the match. I was down early, two love and then I kinda of fought my way back into it. I got a few chances and a few things went my way in that first set/ The second set was a lot closer and a real battle.”

Courier said he was looking forward to the challenge of another Outback Champions Series final, which will be his first day match of the week.

“Jimmy and I are very familiar with each others games, we play very similar styles,” said Courier. “Both of us look for our forehand and both of us are pretty quick around the court and crafty. So I expect to see a lot of big forehands on both sides of the net. As long as I take care of my serve, I’ll have chances, but he is obviously playing well.”

The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Legends Championships features a field of eight champion players competing in a single knock-out format event, vying for $150,000 in prize money and ranking points that determine the year-end No. 1 on the Outback Champions Series. Ticket, travel and tournament information can be found by visiting www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com.

The schedule of play for the remainder of the event is as follows;

Sunday, April 26
Starting at 1 pm
Third Place Match – Pat Cash vs. Mark Philippoussis
Championship Match – Jimmy Arias vs. Jim Courier

Pete Sampras won the opening event on the 2009 Outback Champions Series, defeating McEnroe in the final of the Champions Cup Boston in February. McEnroe won the second event of the year in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, defeating Courier in the final. Sampras won his second title of the year at the Del Mar Development Champions Cup in Los Cabos, Mexico, defeating Rafter in the final. Following Grand Cayman, Outback Champions Series events will be played in Newport, R.I. (August 20-23), Charlotte (Sept. 24-27), Surprise, Ariz. (Oct. 8-11) and Dubai, U.A.E. (Nov. 18-21).

Founded in 2005, the Outback Champions Series features some of the biggest names in tennis over the last 25 years, including Andre Agassi, Sampras, McEnroe, Courier and others. To be eligible to compete on the Outback Champions Series, players must have reached at least a major singles final, been ranked in the top five in the world or played singles on a championship Davis Cup team. The Outback Champions Series features eight events on its 2009 schedule with each event featuring $150,000 in prize money as well as Champions Series ranking points that will determine the year-end No. 1.

InsideOut Sports + Entertainment is a New York City-based independent producer of proprietary events and promotions founded in 2004 by former world No. 1 and Hall of Fame tennis player Jim Courier and former SFX and Clear Channel executive Jon Venison. In 2005, InsideOut launched its signature property, the Outback Champions Series, a collection of tennis events featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30. In addition, InsideOut produces many other successful events including “Legendary Night” exhibitions, charity events and tennis fantasy camps such as the annual “Ultimate Fantasy Camp”. Through 2008, InsideOut Sports + Entertainment events have raised over $4 million for charity. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com.

About The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, The DeckHouses and Secret Harbour – Stretching sea to sea from the acclaimed Seven Mile Beach to the North Sound, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Resort has set a lavish new standard of living on the Caribbean’s most prosperous, cosmopolitan and safe island – Grand Cayman. Comprising The Residences, The DeckHouses and Secret Harbour, all anchored by the hotel itself, living at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Resort is distinguished by an unparalleled lifestyle experience enhanced with the unique Endless Service program, which includes a fleet of luxury automobiles and intrepid 36-foot motor yachts available for use when in residence. Owners also have access to the legendary service and amenities of the $600 million Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Resort.  For more information, please visit www.residences-cayman.com, www.thedeckhouses.com or www.findsecretharbour.com.

Mark Philippoussis

“It was tough conditions today, especially with the wind,” said Philippoussis of his win over Ferreira, played on a red clay court. “We did the best we could and the first match is always tough. I haven’t played in a long time with my injury, and it’s great to get back out there – and with no pain.”

Philippoussis, who has struggled with multiple knee surgeries in the last few years, converted on his fourth match-point opportunity against Ferreira in the Champions Tie-Break, played in lieu of a third set. He jumped to a 3-0 lead in the first set, but was broken back in the seventh game, before losing the first-set in a 7-3 tie-breaker. In the second set, Philippoussis and Ferreira exchanged breaks in the first seven games, before Philippoussis broke for a 5-3 lead, evening the match two games later with the 6-4 second-set win.

Philippoussis, 32, is playing in his third career Outback Champions Series event and said Thursday he still holds out hope of one day returning to the ATP Tour. He said is main goal for the week is to physically get through the tournament without pain and trouble with his knee.

“My ambition still is to get back on the tour,” said Philippoussis, the 2003 Wimbledon finalist who last played against ATP level competition at the 2007 Hopman Cup mixed team event in Perth, Australia. “It’s been tough with my injury because I have been unable to get fit enough to play competitive tennis.”

Following knee surgery in early 2007, Philippoussis returned to competitive tournament tennis at the Outback Champions Series event in Dallas in 2007, losing the third-place match to John McEnroe. His only other Outback Champions Series tournament came earlier this year when he finished with a 1-2 round-robin record in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He will next play the winner of Friday’s quarterfinal match between defending champion Jim Courier and Mikael Pernfors of Sweden.

Ferreira expressed disappointment in the result and not being able to have another chance to win the title in Grand Cayman after losing last year’s final to Courier.

“It’s disappointing after being so successful last year and of course it’s always tough to lose a close match,” said the South African. “I went down fast in the first two sets. I had a slow start. Last year, I was able to play though the wind and this year I found it more difficult.”

For the second straight year, Arias was able to post a big match-victory in Grand Cayman with his win over Wilander. Last year, Arias posted his first tournament match victory of any kind against John McEnroe en route to a third-place finish, his best career result on the Outback Champions Series.

“I came on the court with confidence,” said Arias of his win over Wilander. “I’m a local. I’ve played on this court a million times. What was strange, the wind was blowing but not on my side of the court. Everything went my way, even when Mats got a point, I fought for it to be taken away.”

The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Legends Championships features a field of eight champion players competing in a single knock-out format event, vying for $150,000 in prize money and ranking points that determine the year-end No. 1 on the Outback Champions Series. Ticket, travel and tournament information can be found by visiting www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com. In 2008, Courier won the inaugural event defeating Ferreira 7-6 (3), 7-6 (1) in the championship match.

The schedule of play for the remainder of the event is as follows;

Friday, April 24
Starting at 6 pm
Pat Cash vs. Karel Novacek
Jim Courier vs. Mikael Pernfors

Saturday, April 25
Starting 1 pm
Doubles featuring all four losing quarterfinalists
Pat Cash/Karel Novacek winner vs. Jimmy Arias

Starting at 6 pm
Doubles featuring all four losing quarterfinalist
Jim Courier/Mikael Pernfors winner vs. Mark Philippoussis

Sunday, April 26
Starting at 1 pm
Third Place Match
Championship Match

Pete Sampras won the opening event on the 2009 Outback Champions Series, defeating McEnroe in the final of the Champions Cup Boston in February. McEnroe won the second event of the year in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, defeating Courier in the final. Sampras won his second title of the year at the Del Mar Development Champions Cup in Los Cabos, Mexico. Following Grand Cayman, Outback Champions Series events will be played in Newport, R.I. (August 20-23), Charlotte (Sept. 24-27), Surprise, Ariz. (Oct. 8-11) and Dubai, U.A.E. (Nov. 18-21).

Founded in 2005, the Outback Champions Series features some of the biggest names in tennis over the last 25 years, including Andre Agassi, Sampras, McEnroe, Courier and others. To be eligible to compete on the Outback Champions Series, players must have reached at least a major singles final, been ranked in the top five in the world or played singles on a championship Davis Cup team. The Outback Champions Series features eight events on its 2009 schedule with each event featuring $150,000 in prize money as well as Champions Series ranking points that will determine the year-end No. 1.

InsideOut Sports + Entertainment is a New York City-based independent producer of proprietary events and promotions founded in 2004 by former world No. 1 and Hall of Fame tennis player Jim Courier and former SFX and Clear Channel executive Jon Venison. In 2005, InsideOut launched its signature property, the Outback Champions Series, a collection of tennis events featuring the greatest names in tennis over the age of 30. In addition, InsideOut produces many other successful events including “Legendary Night” exhibitions, charity events and tennis fantasy camps such as the annual “Ultimate Fantasy Camp”. Through 2008, InsideOut Sports + Entertainment events have raised over $4 million for charity. For more information, please log on to www.InsideOutSE.com or www.ChampionsSeriesTennis.com.

About The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, The DeckHouses and Secret Harbour – Stretching sea to sea from the acclaimed Seven Mile Beach to the North Sound, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Resort has set a lavish new standard of living on the Caribbean’s most prosperous, cosmopolitan and safe island – Grand Cayman. Comprising The Residences, The DeckHouses and Secret Harbour, all anchored by the hotel itself, living at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Resort is distinguished by an unparalleled lifestyle experience enhanced with the unique Endless Service program, which includes a fleet of luxury automobiles and intrepid 36-foot motor yachts available for use when in residence. Owners also have access to the legendary service and amenities of the $600 million Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Resort.  For more information, please visit www.residences-cayman.com, www.thedeckhouses.com or www.findsecretharbour.com.

NEW YORK, N.Y., April 29, 2008 – Pete Sampras will kick off his 2008 Outback Champions Series season this week by defending his title at the $150,000 Champions Cup Boston. The Champions Cup Boston, which will be held April 30 to May 4 at Agganis Arena, is the third of eight events on the 2008 Outback Champions Series, the global tennis circuit for champion tennis players age 30 and over.

Last year, Sampras made his return to competitive tournament tennis in Boston and won the title, defeating Todd Martin in the final. The seven-time Wimbledon champion and the owner of a men’s record 14 major men’s singles championships is grouped this year with John McEnroe, Jim Courier, and Jimmy Arias in the event’s Group A. Sampras will open play against Arias on Thursday, May 1 and will play McEnroe on Friday evening, May 2 and Courier on Saturday evening, May 3.

InsideOut Sports & Entertainment, the New York-based owners and organizers of the Outback Champions Series and the Champions Cup Boston, announced Tuesday that Martin, the 2006 Champions Cup Boston champion, has withdrawn from the event due to a strained back and will be replaced by 1996 Wimbledon finalist MaliVai Washington.

More info: For tickets and match schedule, please visit the Champions Cup website.